Chemistry BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

Drexel University’s B.S. in Chemistry gives students a broad foundation across the major areas of chemistry while combining advanced coursework with substantial laboratory and research experience. It is a strong fit for students interested in scientific research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental and manufacturing industries, graduate study, or professional schools, with options to add a Biochemistry concentration and participate in Drexel’s co-op program.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin by building their scientific foundation through courses such as Majors Chemistry I, Cells and Biomolecules, and Calculus I, followed by Majors Chemistry II and III, Calculus II and III, and Fundamentals of Physics. This year establishes the chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics knowledge needed for more advanced laboratory and analytical work.

Second Year: The curriculum moves into more specialized chemistry through Quantitative Analysis, Quantitative Analysis Laboratory, and Organic Chemistry for Majors I, followed by Organic Chemistry for Majors II and III. Students also study Principles of Cell Biology and continue their mathematical preparation through Multivariate Calculus and either Differential Equations or Linear Algebra.

Third Year: Students develop deeper theoretical, analytical and computational chemistry skills through Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Inorganic Chemistry I, and Analytical Chemistry I, while Chemical Information Retrieval introduces them to finding and using chemical information. They also take Software Skills for Chemists, Physical Chemistry Laboratory I, Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory Applied Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry II, strengthening both digital and laboratory capabilities.

Fourth Year: The final year brings together advanced chemistry and independent research through Qualitative Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry IV, and the Senior Research Project. Students also study Biochemistry or Structure and Function of Biomolecules, complete Biochemistry Laboratory, Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, Physical Chemistry Laboratory II, Inorganic Chemistry II and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, giving them extensive preparation for professional or postgraduate pathways.

Focus Areas

Organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical information retrieval, molecular spectroscopy, thermodynamics and kinetics, chemical computation, laboratory research, molecular structure and reactivity.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively, perform chemical computations, think critically and analytically, understand how atomic- and molecular-scale structures influence properties and reactivity, apply laboratory techniques, and work according to professional and ethical standards.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Chemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The curriculum incorporates ACS-related requirements, including specified biochemistry coursework, and is designed to prepare students for chemistry careers as well as graduate and professional education.

Reputation (Employability)

Drexel reports that 96% of undergraduate alumni from the graduating class of 2024 were working or enrolled in graduate or professional education, while 90% of those working full-time were in professions closely or somewhat related to their field of study. These are university-wide outcomes rather than Chemistry-specific figures.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is a major part of Drexel’s B.S. in Chemistry. Students complete substantial laboratory work throughout the degree and are required to complete at least 9 credits of undergraduate research, culminating in the Senior Research Project. Through faculty-led research, advanced instrumentation and Drexel’s co-op system, students can move beyond classroom theory to prepare samples, operate instruments, analyze results and develop professional scientific skills.

Students can build this practical experience through:

Undergraduate research: The CHEM 493 Senior Research Project provides a substantial research experience, and the program requires at least 9 credits of undergraduate research before graduation.
Hands-on laboratories: Students work through Quantitative Analysis Laboratory, Physical Chemistry Laboratory I and II, Biochemistry Laboratory, and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, giving them experience across different areas of chemistry.
Analytical instrumentation: Drexel’s chemistry facilities include mass spectrometers, NMR systems, UV/Vis spectrometers, Raman spectroscopy, atomic absorption instruments, HPLC/UPLC, GC and GC-MS systems, microscopy and electrochemical equipment.
Molecular modelling and software: The department maintains a molecular modelling facility using Hyperchem and the Schrodinger Suite, including Maestro and Bioluminate. The curriculum also includes Software Skills for Chemists and Chemical Information Retrieval.
Drexel Co-op: B.S. Chemistry students can choose a four-year program with one co-op, a five-year program with three co-ops, or a four-year option without co-op. Co-op placements provide opportunities for full-time professional experience in chemistry-related workplaces.
Industry exposure: Recent Chemistry co-op employers listed by Drexel include Arkema, Axalta Coating Systems, FMC Corporation, Fox Chase Cancer Center, GlaxoSmithKline, Incyte Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, NASA, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Research facilities: The department operates professionally staffed Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) facilities, as well as an Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory and other specialized chemistry laboratories.
Professional scientific community: Chemistry students can engage with peer organizations such as the American Chemical Society and participate in research alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and other undergraduates.
Career preparation: The Steinbright Career Development Center provides career counselling, résumé and interview preparation, job-search resources, employer connections, career fairs and co-op support.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Chemistry prepares graduates for careers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental, manufacturing, chemical and related industries, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate and professional education. Drexel specifically identifies opportunities in corporate and government research laboratories and pathways into medical, dental, law and other professional schools.

Typical career roles and pathways include Chemist, Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Chemist, Analytical Chemist:

Career services: Drexel’s Steinbright Career Development Center supports students with individual career counselling, résumé and interview preparation, job-search strategies, employer interviews, Handshake, career fairs and pre-professional advising for medicine and law.
Co-op employment: Chemistry students can gain professional experience through one or up to three co-op placements. Drexel reports that Chemistry co-op students have worked with organizations including Merck, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Arkema, FMC Corporation, NASA, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Chemistry co-op earnings: Drexel's published co-op salary guide reports a $23 median hourly co-op earning for Chemistry, with 75.5% of Chemistry co-op positions listed as paid in that dataset. The university notes that these figures represent co-op earnings rather than graduate starting salaries.
University-wide graduate outcomes: For the graduating class of 2024, Drexel reports that 96% of undergraduates were working or enrolled in graduate or professional education, while 94% of full-time workers reported satisfaction with their position. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to Chemistry.
Industry connections: Drexel Chemistry benefits from Philadelphia’s concentration of pharmaceutical and chemical companies, creating co-op and professional opportunities. The department specifically highlights connections with pharmaceutical, biotech, environmental, materials, medical and other allied industries.
Professional recognition: ACS certification provides an externally recognized professional standard for the Chemistry B.S. and supports preparation for chemistry careers and further study.
Graduation preparation: The curriculum combines advanced chemistry, laboratory training, research, software skills and professional experience, giving students multiple routes into employment or postgraduate education.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's or doctoral study in chemistry and related disciplines. Drexel also offers an accelerated B.S. + M.S. in Chemistry, allowing academically qualified students in the five-year co-op option to earn both degrees in five years; students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and apply after completing 90 credits but before completing 120 credits. The B.S. also provides preparation for professional schools such as medical, dental, pharmacy and law programs.